Ukraine Shifts To Celebrating Christmas On December 25, Marking A Significant Change From January 7 Tradition

During his Christmas address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the opportunity to highlight Ukraine's claim of destroying three additional Russian fighter planes. This announcement comes after celebrating the shooting down of two Russian jets on Christmas Eve, which Zelenskyy referred to as an auspicious start to the year. In a significant shift from tradition, Ukraine officially observed Christmas on December 25 for the first time instead of the traditional date of January 7.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that downing three Russian fighter planes would force Russian pilots to understand that none of them would go "unpunished" in the conflict with Ukraine.

However, this year some Orthodox Ukrainians decided to celebrate the holiday on 25 December and Ukrainian officials, starting with Zelenskyy and Ukraines prime minister, issued Christmas wishes on Sunday.

Ukraine observed Christmas on Monday, the first time the country has officially marked the holiday on 25 December rather than the 7 January date followed by some Orthodox countries, including Russia.

Zelenskyy's mention of these destroyed fighter planes underscores the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. It serves as a reminder of Ukraine's determination to protect its sovereignty and security against Russian aggression. By emphasizing this claim in his address, Zelenskyy aims to reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to defending its borders and deterring further incursions by Russian forces. This strong stance reflects Ukraine's resolve to maintain stability and peace within its territory while sending a clear message that any violation of its airspace will be met with a resolute response.

In a Christmas message delivered on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the shooting down of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve, calling it an auspicious start to the year. This comes as Ukraine officially observes Christmas on December 25 for the first time, a significant shift from the traditional date of January 7.

Zelenskyy also mentioned Ukraine's claim of destroying three additional Russian fighter planes on Friday. In his address, he emphasized the importance of a robust air defense, stating, "The stronger our air defense, the fewer Russian devils will be in our skies and on our land."

Amid concerns about battlefield setbacks and uncertainties regarding Western aid for Ukraine's war effort, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in Ukraine's negotiation capabilities and its commitment to defending the homeland from Russian threats. The Ukrainian president's positive assessment contrasts with the challenges faced on the front lines, where the anticipated summer counteroffensive has yet to materialize.

Russia, on the other hand, claimed a battlefield advance on Monday, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stating that Moscow's forces had taken control of Marinka, a strategic town west of Donetsk. This development raises questions about the dynamics of the conflict and the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense strategy.

According to Ukraine, along with the two Russian planes shot down, its air defense forces intercepted 28 Russian drones. While one civilian was reported killed and at least four wounded in Russian attacks over the previous 24 hours, the details of the drone strikes remain undisclosed.

The move to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 is part of Ukraine's broader efforts to assert its independence and cultural separation from Russia. The decision was made in July, with Zelenskyy signing legislation to change the date of the Christmas public holiday. Many Ukrainians view this as a positive step towards strengthening their cultural identity and distancing themselves from Russia.

As the country faces ongoing tensions and conflicts, the shift in the Christmas celebration date reflects Ukraine's determination to forge its path and assert its identity amid geopolitical challenges. The president's optimistic tone underscores the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit in the face of adversity.